KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 — Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s (KEADILAN) dedication to its reform agenda following the close of the party’s National Congress 2026, while underscoring the need to remain vigilant within the ruling coalition.
In a post on X on Monday, Anwar reflected on the final day of the congress held on Aug 16 in Melaka. “Di hari terakhir Kongres Nasional KEADILAN semalam, kita memperbaharui tekad bersama teman-teman seperjuangan yang terus setia pada khittah perjuangan ini. Kita bermuhasabah, menyusun kembali kekuatan dan bangkit dengan semangat baharu untuk meneruskan agenda reformasi demi rakyat dan negara,” he wrote.
He emphasised that the party would stay within the consensus built for national stability, choosing loyalty for the sake of prosperity, economic growth and the people’s well-being. However, he added a clear note of caution: “Namun kita tetap berwaspada. Jika dilanggar, kita sedia melanggar. Membujur lalu, melintang patah!”
The proverb, roughly translating to “if it goes lengthwise it passes; if it goes crosswise it breaks,” signals a willingness to cooperate when aligned with shared goals but firm resistance if the agreement is breached.
The two-day congress, themed “Memugar Reformasi, Membina MADANI” (Nurturing Reform, Building MADANI), took place at the Melaka International Trade Centre in Ayer Keroh from Aug 15 to 16 and drew around 2,500 delegates and 3,000 observers.
During the event, Anwar delivered both the keynote and closing speeches. He called for humble acceptance of recent electoral setbacks in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, urging the party to reflect, fix weaknesses and strengthen disciplined organisation rather than assign blame. He reiterated that KEADILAN would not compromise its principles or the ideals of Reformasi merely to cling to power.
A major announcement at the congress was the government’s intention to move swiftly to abolish the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU), a long-standing demand of student activists, with the proposal to be tabled before the Cabinet.
Anwar also stressed that economic growth must translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives and that the Madani government would continue cleaning up institutions, including amendments to the Tabung Haji Act to safeguard the trust of Muslims.
The congress served as a platform for the party to renew its ideological commitment, broaden its multi-ethnic and multi-regional appeal, and tighten ranks under Anwar’s leadership as both party president and prime minister.
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